Some thoughts while we wait for A.J. Brown‘s future to be decided …
• The internet rumor mill wants to believe the Eagles and Patriots have a deal worked out to trade Brown to the Patriots. A) I have no evidence of that. B) If it’s for picks in this year’s draft, what are they waiting for? C) If it’s for 2027 draft picks and won’t be official until June 2nd, why not announce it now? D) If it’s for this year, but the Patriots are going to make picks for the Eagles and trade the rights of those players later, that is really complicated.
I don’t believe anything has been agreed to. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least that Denver’s Jaylen Waddle trade (basically a first and a third) has further entrenched Eagles GM Howie Roseman in his asking price in a similar ballpark. And I don’t think the Patriots want to go there. So the game of chicken continues.
• Things could definitely ramp up at the NFL annual meeting, which starts Sunday in Phoenix.
• I’m sure the Maxx Crosby situation complicates things, considering the state of Brown’s knees (PFT reported the Rams backed off because of that), but I’d keep an eye out for the Ravens jumping in on Brown. Sure seems like they could use someone like Brown, unless you’re enamored with Rashod Bateman and his 17-game average of 42 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs.
• The Eagles’ acquisition of Hollywood Brown doesn’t have anything to do with AJ Brown. As Zach Berman of The Athletic pointed out: “Jahan Dotson left in free agency. Outside of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, the only receivers on the roster are Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey, Quez Watkins and Danny Gray.”
• I’m not in favor of the Patriots trading for A.J. Brown, but I wouldn’t hate it — depending on the compensation. It’s not like he’s a bum or anything. The Patriots will probably get about two good years out of him, but I think he is a
